There’s a first time for everything
2014-04-16 19:14:16.000 – Kaitlyn O`Brien, Weather Observer/Education Specialist
NULL
It sure has been a busy week up here on the summit! There were a lot of ‘firsts’ that I’ve been able to check off the list as a full-time summit employee.
This week, I coded the longest observation I’ve done so far. One afternoon, we had six different cloud layers, which is the maximum number of layers you can include in a METAR report. Additionally, there were several remarks that had to be included, specifically variable cloud cover, distant haze, and both altocumulus and stratocumulus lenticular clouds. For an observer in training, it certainly was a challenge!
On Monday, I conducted my first Distance Learning program. I spoke to a group of 5th graders and gave them a virtual tour of the weather room, as well as explained the lifestyle of an observer and the work we do every day. It was a success and I enjoyed it very much!
Later that evening, I had my first experience taking preventative measures to ensure minimal flooding in the Observatory tower. Because I am not familiar with the winter routines on the summit, Ryan offered to show me what should be done around the tower prior to receiving warm temperatures. After dinner, we dug out our living room window to ensure the melting snow and ice did not seep inside. It’s one thing to shovel snow in your driveway on a calm morning, but it’s a very different experience shoveling snow in gusty 70mph winds!
This week, I also experienced my first shift change delay. Due to the heavy rain and above-freezing temperatures we received last night compounded with the snow and high winds this morning, our shift change will be taking place tomorrow morning instead of today. As a result, I had the opportunity to perform my first ‘Live from the Rockpile’ program this afternoon, giving visitors at the Weather Discovery Center a chance to virtually connect with the summit weather room. I was thrilled!
It’s safe to say it was a productive week. I look forward to the many new things I will learn on each shift that lies ahead!
Kaitlyn O`Brien, Weather Observer/Education Specialist
Team Flags Return for Seek the Peak’s 25th Anniversary
Team Flags Return for Seek the Peak's 25th Anniversary By MWOBS Staff Mount Washington Observatory is looking forward to continuing a much-loved tradition for Seek the Peak’s 25th Anniversary: Team flags. In inviting teams
Meet Summer Interns Zakiya, Max and Maddie
Meet Summer Interns Zakiya, Max and Maddie By MWOBS Staff We are excited to welcome six teammates to the summit of Mount Washington this summer! During their internship, these students and graduates will play
Saying Goodbye to the Summit
Saying Goodbye to the Summit By Alexis George After an extraordinary last three years working as a Weather Observer and Meteorologist, I am excited to pursue a different career. As sad I as am